Monsters, Inc.

This 3D re-release might be a cynical cash-in to keep Monsters, Inc. in our minds just as the prequel Monsters, University is all set for release (this summer, folks!) but whatever the reason it's great to have this joy of joys back on the big screen.

First released in 2001 after the one-two-three of Toy Story, A Bug's Life and Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc. continued the winning streak with a simple tale of the loss of innocence and the fear of parenthood. After becoming a father to a baby girl since the original release, I can relate. Here, monsters are scaring kids so their screams will fuel Monstropolis but in actuality it's the monsters that are scared of the kids. When little girl Boo follows super scarer Sully back to Monstropolis, he and best friend Mike (Crystal) scramble to get her back to her room and the human world before the evil Randall (Buscemi) finds her.

When you know a movie well, you start to appreciate its peripheral elements. Characters like the nerdy boys who hold Sully in such high esteem, the surly Roz and John Ratzenberger's Abominable Snowman. You begin to appreciate the voices too - what a lovely timbre John Goodman has and how perfect he was for the role. Ditto Buscemi - and the flawless storytelling. There’s no story flab in Monsters, Inc. and if it isn't being studied in screenwriting courses it should be.

It's funny, cute and charming, Sully's hair is still impressive and that closet door chase sequence still makes with the wow. When I heard that there would be a 3D re-release it was this sequence that first popped into my head: It's one of the best Pixar have created and while it's still wonderful, the 3D doesn't give it the oomph you'd expect. Same goes for the rest of the 3D here unfortunately. But I didn't need 3D for one of my favourite last shots in film: Sully's smile when he returns to Boo's room right at the end.

Monsters, Inc. doesn’t need the 3D but you need to see Monsters, Inc. again. And again. And a third time just to make sure.